April 30 2015

April 30 - May 6, 2015

VOL. 64, No. 16

POLITICS 2015

Educating ‘boys of color’ highlighted at COSEBOC 2015 conference

www.tsdmemphis.com

75 Cents

Need to tell a “different story” stressed

by Kirstin L. Cheers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“No one is coming to save us; we are the answers our ancestors prayed for.”

The words of David North amounted to an amplification of the theme that anchored the 9th annual gathering of the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color (COSEBOC) at the University of Memphis last Friday (April 25).

The theme: “I Am a Young Man: Honoring My Past, Celebrating My Present, Anticipating My Future.”

About 500 school leaders from various parts of the country traveled to Memphis for the national conference.

North was the emcee for the twoday conference.

“We have to become masters of our own media,” he told those assembled on the final day. “We have to start telling a different story about black boys in America.”

COSEBOC is a national network of school leaders focused on educating boys and young men of color. The non-profit organization’s mission is to “connect, inspire, support and strengthen school leaders dedicated to the social, emotional, and academic development of young males.”

Offering standards for schools to adopt, COSEBOC’s publication “Standards and Promising Practices for Educating Boys and Young Men of Color” provides a framework for assessment, curriculum, training, leadership, community engagement and more for schools across the country.

Throughout the week, the Coalition hosted eight sessions and over 40 workshops, all focusing on raising performance rates on standardized tests, STEM, graduation rates, and college readiness. Memphis officials such as Mayor A C Wharton Jr. and Shelby County Schools Supt. Dorsey Hobson II were guest speakers.

“This forum is really not abstract for me,” said Wharton. “As a father of six sons, four grandsons, this is something I don’t need notes for; I approach from the heart. I know from having been a public defender (that black men and boys) die a very slow death from an early age. It didn’t just start in the 12th grade.”

Wharton moved to debunk the critics who point to the City of Memphis’ decision to step away from its historical role of funding education as an indicator of waning interest. In the spirit of TV’s Maury Povitch, he said, “That is a lie.”

“No greater lie has ever been told.

We may not have a legal role in terms of sending a check to the school system, but we do have a critical role in the educational process,” said Wharton. “This is why it’s up to us, and all of us in public office, to see ourselves as educators.”

Hopson noted that Memphis is under the large, national magnifying glass of education reform.

“It’s because of our emphasis on making sure every classroom has a great teacher, every school has a great leader; focusing on under-performing schools and focusing on literacy,” he said. “If we get those things right, it will certainly have a tremendous impact on all of our students, particularly our boys of color.”

This year, COSEBOC named three U.S. Schools deemed outstanding to receive the 2015 COSEBOC School Award. They are Bish-

Kyle Veazey handled the job of emcee at the mayoral forum that included (l-r) City Councilmen Jim Strickland and Harold Collins, Shelby County Commission Chairman Justin Ford, and Mike Williams, president of the Memphis Police Association. (Photos: Lee Eric Smith)

He has it; they want it!

Incumbent Wharton, mayoral challengers meet and greet at political forum

by Lee Eric Smith

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With Memphis municipal elections a full five months away, some voters might think April is too early for mayoral candidates to participate in a meet-and-greet style forum. Liz Rincon is not one of those voters.

“I think one of the problems Memphis politics has is that people get their information far too late,“ said Rincon, 35, who lives in the Cooper Young area.

“When people aren’t turning out, it’s not necessarily that they’re lazy,

Incumbent Mayor A C Wharton Jr.: “I still see us on the upswing.”

‘Excellence without excuses’

by Brittney Gathen

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Imagine being a no-nonsense, dedicated principal faced with the challenge of transforming a failing school. To some, this may be no more than the premise of the 1989 film “Lean on Me,” in which actor Morgan Freeman portrayed New Jersey Principal Joe Clark.

In Memphis, however, this was the story of Dr. Rosalind Martin, the principal of Georgian Hills Junior High School starting in 2004 and then Riverview K-8 starting in 2013.

According to those who knew her,

Martin was passionate about encouraging excellence in those around her, even while dealing with breast cancer.

Martin died of breast cancer on February 21, leaving a lasting impact.

Fresh start for Georgian Hills When Martin first became the principal of Georgian Hills, the school was on the state takeover list and suffered from other issues, such as gang infestation.

Martin made a fresh start, replacing all of the teachers within the first two weeks. She and staff members also went door to door in the community and in-

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troduced themselves.

Ernelle Cills, Martin’s godmother, who was also a foreign language teacher and eventually an educational facilitator at Georgian Hills, was part of the new beginning.

“When we first got to Georgian Hills it was gang infested; they (gang members) would walk in the building, walk down the halls, walk in the classroom looking for their people. It was very unsafe,” Cills said. “The children were not used to having class; they were used to watching movies, dancing, and just having a good time. There was no structure

As a principal, the late Dr. Rosalind Martin was known to those close to her as “an unsung hero.”

(Courtesy photo)

SEE MARTIN ON PAGE 3

In health, income has greater impact than race

by Freddie Allen NNPA News Service

MEMPHIS WEEKEND SATURDAY

SEE FORUM ON PAGE 2

Dr. Rosalind Martin:

SEE CONFERENCE ON PAGE 2 FRIDAY

it’s that (they’re thinking) ‘I don’t know who to vote for. I didn’t get any information.’ Starting something like this in late April is really smart, so people can get into their vernacular who’s running for mayor.”

Rincon was among several hundred people who ventured to the Tennessee Brewery Monday evening to hear candidates speak about their vision for Memphis. The mayoral forum was hosted by InforMemphis, a voter awareness initiative of The Commercial Appeal. By design, the event

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Coming into view…

The Pyramid was officially “reborn” Wednesday as the Memphis home of Bass Pro Shops. New amenities abound and none more eye-catching than an observatory at the top that offers stunning views of Memphis’ downtown and the Mississippi River. Tourism officials believe the site could attract 2 million people a year and generate much-needed economic activity. (Photo: Christopher Hope)

WASHINGTON – Being poor can have a bigger impact on your health than your race, according to a recent report by the Urban Institute.

“Income is a driving force behind the striking health disparities that many minorities experience,” concludes a recent report by the Urban Institute, a research group originally founded in 1968 to study the programs associated with the War on Poverty.

And even though African Americans have higher rates of disease than whites, “these differences are dwarfed by the disparities identified between high- and low-income populations within each racial/ethnic group,” the report finds.

“Poor adults are almost five times as likely to report being in fair or poor health as adults with family incomes at or above 400 percent of the federal poverty level, or FPL, (in 2014, the FPL was $23,850 for a family of four) and they are more than three times as likely to have activity limitations due to chronic illness,”

according to the report.

In 2010, whites “had twice the income of blacks and Hispanics, but six times the wealth,” the report said.

“In 2011, almost one-quarter (23.3 percent) of adults with family incomes under $35,000 per year had no usual place of medical care, compared with 6.0 percent of those with incomes of $100,000 or higher,” stated the report. “Similarly, 22.6 percent reported not having seen a dentist in more than five years, compared with 4.3 percent of adults with family incomes over $100,000.”

The effects of poverty on low-income families are often inescapable.

“Public transportation is often inadequate to enable residents to commute to employment, to find a better job, or to reach a supermarket, a reliable childcare provider, or health care services,” stated the report. Poor families also live in neighborhoods plagued by environmental pollution and live near busy highways and industrial factories.

Poor families often lack access to fresh produce and live in communiSEE HEALTH ON PAGE 2

April 30 - May 6, 2015

Page 2

The New Tri-State Defender

NEWS

Mike Williams, president of the Memphis Police Association, is optimistic about his chances of unseating the incumbent mayor.

The COSEBOC conference included young men from various parts of the country.

Tony Nichelson, founder of “Man of the House” Mentoring, was a part of the University of Memphis Design Team that coordinated presentations by young men from Memphis. “It was a remarkable gathering of educators, and Memphis was represented well by young men who are already leaders at their schools,” he said.

“We plan to keep these young men together to.” (Courtesy photo)

CONFERENCE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT op John T. Walker School for Boys in Washington, D.C., Einstein Charter School in New Orleans and Neighbor-

hood House Charter School in Boston.

Ron Walker, COSEBOC’s executive director, said, “This year’s 2015 COSEBOC School Award winners are evidence that when educators

HEALTH

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

City Councilman Jim Strickland laid out his vision for Memphis and talked about the city’s financial challenges.

FORUM

CONTINUED FROM FRONT was not a debate. Instead, it was part political forum, part happy hour, with attendees chasing snacks from a Central BBQ food truck and icy cold beer from the host venue.

Five candidates participated, including the incumbent Mayor A C Wharton Jr. Challengers who addressed the racially mixed crowd were City Councilmen Jim Strickland and Harold Collins, Shelby County Commission Chairman Justin Ford; and Mike Williams, president of the Memphis Police Association.

Detric Golden, former U of M basketball star, had a campaign vehicle parked outside the brewery but did not participate in the forum. A banner promoting M. Latroy Williams was on display. And when attendees returned to their cars, they likely found a flyer for Brian Saulsberry on their windshields.

Several themes came up during the forum – population loss, infrastructure, crime, annexation, the city’s financial crisis and attracting high-salary jobs for professionals. Here’s what candidates had to say about some of these issues: Strickland said one of the greatest issues facing the city is population loss. “There’s a tsunami in front of us,” he said.

“So far, we’ve annexed our way through it, but state laws have changed and we can’t do that anymore. If we lose another 50,000 people over the next 10 years, it will be devastating for the City of Memphis.”

Strickland also said the city’s payroll was bloated with unnecessary jobs, such as deputy parks directors and public relations officials “We can’t afford to waste money on positions like that,” he said.

Whereas his challengers spoke at length about Memphis’ problems, Wharton was more upbeat: “I still see us on the upswing. Some are focusing on those who are leaving the city; I focus on those who are coming.

That’s the Memphis I see.”

Asked the same question about city finances, Wharton shot back: “You can’t cut your way to financial health. You can’t tax your way to financial health. The way out is through growth and efficiency. That’s what I’d focus on in a second term.”

Williams lamented the city’s poverty rate as a major problem, and countered population loss statements by saying that there are thousands of undocumented workers in the city.

On crime, Williams said: “We have to deal with the crime issue. Nobody wants to talk about it, but we have to deal with it,” he said. “People don’t

Harold Collins and Shelby County Commission Chairman Justin Ford. (Photos: Lee Eric Smith) want to live where they don’t feel safe. We should never have lowered the complement of police officers.”

And on finances, he took a different stance: “What financial problems? The city budget has increased, not decreased.

We have an overspending problem. We have money; it’s what you do with the money that counts.”

Collins praised the opening of Bass Pro Shops and the jobs it will bring, but is seeking how to bring higher paying professionals to Memphis. He touts vocational training.

“This will not only keep our young people here, it’ll move the needle on poverty,” he said.

“When you teach a young man or young girl to work in vocational trades, they can earn salaries not hourly jobs.”

Ford repeatedly came back to themes that voters will undoubtedly hear over and over again in his campaign: Listen. Assist.

Invest.

“We need to listen to our citizens. We need to assist them in finding and taking advantage of opportunities. And we have to invest in our city so we all can prosper. Listen, assist, invest.

That’s what I would do as mayor.”

Some voters who attended the forum said they didn’t hear much new, but were glad to hear from the candidates this early in

the race.

“There’s got to be a lot more serious discussion going forward,” said Deke Pope, 73, of Whitehaven. “Hopefully we’ll be able to sit down in smaller groups where citizens who are seriously concerned about the city can interject into the campaign.”

“This was the first opportunity to see five candidates in one place talking at one time,” said Teddy Gorman, 39, who lives Downtown.

“I guess I was kind of surprised that so many candidates talked about millennials or young professionals. What was interesting (is) that they had so many different takes on what quality of life looks like. That was one separating factor.”

Cheryl Pesce, who also lives Downtown, was happy to get an early look at the candidates, but would have loved to seen a woman or two taking questions as well.

“I wish there were females running,” said Pesce, who will be voting in city elections for the first time since moving to Memphis two years ago from Jackson.

“We have a female candidate for president. I think it would be timely to have a female running for mayor. I think it would be nice to have a different perspective.”

ties super-saturated by fast food restaurants, carry-outs and liquor stores. Safe places for children to play can be scarce.

Families with yearly incomes below $35,000 were “four times more likely to report being nervous and five times more likely to report sadness ‘all or most of the time,’” compared to families that made more than $100,000.

Children who live in low-income households are at greater risk for childhood obesity and experience higher rates of asthma than middle- and high-income families.

According to a 2010 American Lung Association report, the prevalence of asthma is 35 percent higher among African Americans compared to whites. In 2012, the Center for American Progress said that asthma costs the country about $14 billion annually because of lost wages and missed schooldays.

And instead of saving employers money, low-income workers often cost their employers more, the report said, because of higher health care expenses and diminished productivity, as a result of missing more days at work and coming to work sick.

Adults who have suffered adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which can include oral, physical or sexual abuse or family dysfunction, are twice as likely to have heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes “Improving the economic conditions of Americans at many income levels – from those who are poor to those in the middle class – could improve health and help control the rising costs of health care.

Jobs, education, and other drivers of economic prosperity matter to public health.”

create learning environments which are culturally responsive, set high academic standards, engage students and affirm their capabilities, boys of color will respond, achieve and thrive.”

and four times as likely to have chronic lung disease, the report said.

“Policies that reduce adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) or that promote improved educational outcomes can translate into improved economic well-being, better health outcomes, and lower health care costs,” the report explained. “Similarly, the effects of unemployment on health may be buffered by unemployment assistance and other resources (e.g., savings, family resources, and social or business contacts).”

The report also recommended making stronger investments in early childhood education and expanding community-based programs and improving service provider networks.

Citing a British study, the Urban Institute researchers noted that adults (60 to 64 yearsold) who had grown up in the wealthiest households often “had 7 to 20 percent better cognitive performance” than adults who had grown up in the poorest households.

“People and interest groups working to solve these problems are doing more than improving income and wealth: they are ultimately benefiting population health for all age groups,” said the report.

“Improving the economic conditions of Americans at many income levels – from those who are poor to those in the middle class – could improve health and help control the rising costs of health care. Jobs, education, and other drivers of economic prosperity matter to public health.”

The New Tri-State Defender

April 30 - May 6, 2015

Page 3

NEWS

“She pushed you in the direction that she wanted you to go, even if you didn’t see it in yourself,” Crittle said.

Carodine said Martin was a charismatic leader.

“If you worked for her, you were glad to work for her,” she said.

MARTIN

CONTINUED FROM FRONT at all.”

In addition to these challenges, Cills said, there were irate parents that didn’t welcome the new leadership because they still wanted to rule the school.

Martin was determined and the staff had her back.

“The whole paradigm of that school changed,” Cills said.

“It took some work…but she walked those halls, made sure everybody was safe, and had codes, (so that) if something did go wrong we would know to lock up.”

Under Martin’s leadership, the school became a Reward School – a public school that is in the top five percent statewide in academic performance or progress, or both – within three years. Changes included starting a French class and establishing an Algebra Readiness program, during which each teacher spent 20 minutes on Algebra at the beginning of each class. TCAP math scores increased by 18 percent.

Cills retired from teaching at Georgian Hills, but she followed Dr. Martin to Riverview K-8, where she now works as a certified tutor and volunteer grant coordinator. She plans on leaving soon now that Martin has passed.

“It was because of her vision to provide our students with a quality education to ensure their positive contribution to our global society that I was inspired to keep on working with her even after my retirement,” Cills said.

“She was an unsung hero. The loss of Dr. Martin has left a void in the district that few, if any, can fill.”

Assistant Principal Michael Henry, who worked with Martin at Georgian Hills from 20082013, and still works there, knew Martin as dedicated to excellence.

“Her motto was ‘excellence without excuses,’” Henry said.

“She made sure that in spite of the situation that our students came from, that they could succeed.”

The ‘Joe Clark of Riverview’ Martin’s husband, Memphis Police Department officer Ron Martin, said his wife’s dedication to excellence applied to people in her professional and personal

Tough love and motivation

Pictured (l-r): Riverview K-8 Assistant Principal LaSandra Young, language arts teacher Marsha Carodine, math teacher Alisa Dickson, science teacher Stephanie Crittle, and Assistant Principal Cassandra Howell. (Photo: Merritt Gathen)

Dr. Rosalind Martin lives. was ready for a new challenge, “Her major passion, outside returning to the South Memof God and family, was the ed- phis area where she grew to be ucation of underprivileged chil- the principal of Riverview K-8, dren,” Martin said. “She put the which was a failing school in an same hard-driven approach on area plagued with crime, gangs us that she did with the students, and blight. their families, and anyone she “I kind of called her the ‘Joe might have encountered on a Clark of Riverview’ because daily basis. she was faced with some of the After making progress at same challenges as the legendGeorgian Hills, said Martin, she ary principal in New Jersey, but

when the parents realized that she had the best interests of those children at hand…she won over the support of the neighborhood, and the school made double digit gains in one year,” said Martin.

While at Riverview, Dr. Martin established a “Bootcamp to Improve Student Literacy.”

Students had longer days and an hour-long intervention time in subjects where they needed improvement. Martin and the teachers also dressed up in military fatigues every Monday.

Within a year, the school showed an 11.9 percent increase in math proficiency, a 6.7 percent increase in reading/language arts and a 10 percent increase in its state success rate, according to a 2015 Shelby County Schools report.

She also started a mentoring program.

“Even after battling breast cancer since 2006, she never shortchanged those children; she went in there with the same passion every day,” Martin said.

“If she had been allowed to stay there longer, there’s no telling what level (of achievement) this school could’ve resulted in accomplishing.”

A leader worth following Principal Martin’s leadership impacted teachers such as Marsha Carodine, language arts; Alisa Dickson, math; and Stephanie Crittle, science. All worked at Georgian Hills under Martin’s leadership, following her to Riverview K-8.

“I learned how to be a leader. I learned how to stay focused regardless of what’s going on,” Carodine said. “What she said that impacted me was ‘be the best you can be,’ and I believe she saw my best. That’s why I had no problem with her leadership or following her.”

Dickson learned about leadership and respect.

“She said if you want respect from your students, let them see you respecting your leaders,” Dickson said. “She always said that if the leaders ask you to do something, and you do it without questioning, complaining, when you ask students to do something, and they see that you’re respecting your leader, they’ll respect you as their leader.”

Crittle said Martin didn’t micromanage and wasn’t afraid to push people to reach their full potential.

Some Riverview students remembered Dr. Martin’s motivational approach.

Eighth grade student Michael Griffin said that Dr. Martin inspired him to get better grades.

“She encouraged me to do my best,” said Michael Griffin, an eighth grader. “I always felt down, like I couldn’t do nothing, and she brought my spirits up. She told me I could do my best.” The result? His grades improved.

Ninth-grade student Quentarious White, a former Riverview K-8 student, remembered Dr. Martin’s “tough love” approach to motivating him.

White recalled the day Martin called him into her office and told him that he had to be the “craziest, smartest person” she knew because although he would act up in class and was kicked out of school a couple of times, he would score proficiently or advanced on his tests.

Although she had a “funny way” of showing she cared, she always corrected wrongs and was helpful to him, he said.

Riverview student and athlete Lawrenzo Farmer said Martin always kept him in line, telling him to tuck his shirt in and get to class.

And when he returned to school after a suspension, she told him to straighten up before he got kicked off the basketball team.

“A pretty good principal all around,” he said.

Reaching higher Martin’s daughter Deshanta Gooden said her mother was a supportive, goal-oriented woman with high expectations.

An eighth grade science teacher at Kate Bond Middle School, Gooden wants to follow in her mother’s footsteps and work her way up the education ladder. She also eyes opening a restaurant with a friend.

“My mom always inspired me to be the higher me,” Gooden said. “Even though she’s not here, I can still feel her doing the same thing.”

April 30 - May 6, 2015

Page 4

OPINION

The New Tri-State Defender

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951-1997)

The Mid-South’s Best Alternative Newspaper Powered by Best Media Properties, Inc.

“‘Parent Choice’ in education is the one thing that can help families, just like mine, and help them today.”

Bernal E. Smith II President / Publisher

Zip code should not determine a child’s future

Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Executive Editor

In her own words: Loretta Lynch’s confirmation Loretta Lynch now is the 83rd U.S. attorney general – and the first African-American woman to serve – after being sworn in Monday by Vice President Joe Biden at the U.S. Department of Justice. The long-awaited ceremony was delayed five months

by Senate Republicans locked into a partisan dispute with President Barack Obama.

“As I look out over all of you gathered here today, my overwhelming reaction is one of profound gratitude.

I must, of course, thank the President for his faith in me in asking me to lead the department that I love to even greater heights.

“Thank you, Mr. Vice President, for your presence and your comments here today, and for your steadfast support and wise counsel throughout the process. I also must thank Senators Schumer and Leahy for their support, over the years and now, and for making the floor of the U.S. Senate a welcoming place for me and my family. And of course, my wonderful family. As you can see, we’re quite a force multiplier!

“Many of you have come to know my father through this process. He has been at every hearing and every vote. But he didn’t just start now. I remember looking up as a young Assistant U.S. Attorney starting my first trial and seeing him there – and he came to every one thereafter. He has encouraged me in all things, even when my choices were not the ones he would have made for me. In that, he has been the best of fathers. Without him, I would not be here today, being sworn in as the 83rd Attorney General of the United States, just one week after his 83rd birthday.

“And my mother, who could not be here today but is never far from my thoughts or my heart. She grew up in a world where she was always told what she could not do or could not be, but always knew in her heart that she could soar. She did what would have seemed impossible in the small North Carolina town of her youth. She raised a daughter whom she always told, whatever the dream, whether lawyer, prosecutor or even Attorney General, “of course you can.”

“I must also thank my wonderful husband, who has supported all of my choices and my dreams. I would not trade his love and support for all the riches in the world – because to me, they are all the riches in the world.

“Thanks also go to my colleagues and friends here in the department, in the Eastern District of New York, and beyond. But even more than that, tremendous thanks go to the literally thousands of people, many of whom I have never met, who have expressed their support throughout the process.

From the sisterhood of my sorority and all the Greeks who came together, to churches and schools and people on the street who have stopped me and said just a word or two – please know that those few words sometimes made all the difference in the

world to me as I traveled this road.

“I thank you all, as I prepare to join once again with the outstanding people of the Department of Justice.

I have been privileged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you twice before from the Eastern District of New York. You are the ones who make real the promise of justice and redress for all Americans. I am honored beyond words to step into the larger role today as your Attorney General, as we continue the core work of our mission – the protection of the American people.

“All of the people here at the department are here because at some point in our lives, we all said, ‘I want to be a lawyer.’ ‘I want to be a law enforcement officer.’ ‘I want to be a federal agent.’ ‘I want to be someone’s hero.’

“At the heart of that – for me and for all of us – whether attorney or agent, staff or principal – is the desire to leave this world a better place for us having been a part of it.

“The challenge in that – for you, for me, for all of us that love this department and love the law – is to use the law to that end. To not just represent the law and enforce it, but use it to make real the promise of America, the promise of fairness and equality, ‘of liberty and justice for all.’ We are all just here for a time – whether in this building or even on this earth.

But the values we hold dear will live on long after we have left this stage.

Our responsibility, while we are here, is to breathe life into them; to imbue them with the strength of our convictions and the weight of our efforts.

“I know this can be done.

“Because I am here to tell you, if a little girl from North Carolina who used to tell her grandfather in the fields to lift her up on the back of his mule, so she could see ‘way up high, Granddaddy,’ can become the chief law enforcement officer of the United States of America, then we can do anything.

“We can imbue our criminal justice system with both strength and fairness, for the protection of both the needs of victims and the rights of all. We can restore trust and faith both in our laws and in those of us who enforce them. We can protect the most vulnerable among us from the scourge of modern-day slavery – so antithetical to the values forged in blood in this country. We can protect the growing cyber world. We can give those in our care both protection from terrorism and the security of their civil liberties. We will do this as we have accomplished all things both great and small – working together, moving forward, and using justice as our compass.

“I cannot wait to begin that journey.

“Thank you all for being here, both today and in my life.

“Thank you.”

(Transcript from the U.S. Department of Justice)

Riots, anger and state-

sanctioned killing …It doesn’t matter that there’s a black president, a black attorney general, a black police commissioner or a black mayor. Black youths expressing pain and rage, fear and disbelief, are characterized as criminals, and the cops who left Freddie Gray nearly decapitated are on taxpayer-paid vacations.

We’re expected to be angels when we’re faced with demons. We’re expected to hold hands, sing, “We Shall Overcome,” and wait patiently for the wheels of justice to turn and for freedom to ring. This country is comfortable with black tears and black fears but uncomfortable with black rage. But when the tears are dry and injustice remains, sometimes rage is all that’s left. …

In a 1967 speech, “The Other America,” the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. told an audience at Stanford University why black Americans riot, and it still holds true today: “I think America must see that riots do not develop out of thin air. Certain conditions continue to exist in our society which must be condemned as vigorously as we condemn riots. But in the final analysis, a riot is the language of the unheard.

“And what is it that America has failed to hear? It has failed to hear that the plight of the Negro poor has worsened over the last few years. It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of white society are more concerned about tranquilli-

ty and the status quo than about justice, equality and humanity.

“And so in a real sense our nation’s summers of riots are caused by our nation’s winters of delay.

And as long as America postKirsten West Savali pones justice, we stand in the position of having these recurrences of violence and riots over and over again.

Social justice and progress are the absolute guarantors of riot prevention.”

In short: No justice, no peace.

That is what youths in Baltimore are demanding: justice. That is what was demanded on the streets of Ferguson, Mo.: justice. That is what will be demanded in the next city and the next city and the next city because there is no pause button on revolution, no such thing as a polite uprising and no more tolerance for second-class citizenship.

If peace for all is the true goal and not oppression for some, then this country must first grapple with the fact that a smashed window at CVS smashed is merely a window into its own shattered soul.

(Kirsten West Savali is a cultural critic and senior writer for The Root. Follow her on Twitter: kwestsavali.)

“All of the people here at the department are here because at some point in our lives, we all said, ‘I want to be a lawyer.’ ‘I want to be a law enforcement officer.’ ‘I want to be a federal agent.’ ‘I want to be someone’s hero.’” – Loretta Lynch (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty via NewsOne)

Ignored: African-American women killed by police You know their names – Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice – because these African-American men were unarmed and killed by “law enforcement” officers. Their names have been part of a litany invoked when police shootings are discussed. Their deaths have been part of the impetus for the Black Lives Matter movement, especially because the police officers that killed these men (and a little boy) have paid no price for their murders.

You are far less likely to know about Rekia Boyd, shot by an off-duty police officer in Chicago. While the officer who killed Boyd was acquitted, her killing sparked few protests, and little national attention.

Kate Abbey-Lambertz of the Huffington Post identified 15 women who were killed during police encounters when they were unarmed, including Tanisha Anderson (Cleveland), 7-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones (Detroit), and Yvette Smith (Bastrop, Texas). The killing of another woman, Miriam Carey, was especially egregious.

Carey, a dental hygienist, drove her car into a security checkpoint near the White House. The Secret Service fired multiple shots at Carey, killing her and putting her 13-monthold daughter at risk. Meanwhile, a white man scaled the White House fence without a shot fired. Another made it into the White House residence without encountering a gun. A few people protested Carey’s death, but the protests fizzled.

AlterNet and Clutch Magazine, online sources such as Huffington Post, reported on some of the unarmed black women who were gunned down. Again, these killings were barely protested, and garnered no national attention. Little seems to have changed since Gloria Hull, Patricia Bell-Scott, and Barbara Smith wrote “But Some of Us Are Brave: All the Women Are White, All the Blacks are Men.” The book, written in 1993, addressed the invisibility of African-American women. While the majority of the unarmed African Americans killed by police officers are men, about 20 percent of those killed are women.

The publicized killings of African-American men have happened all too frequently in the past 12 months. Each killing strikes our collective community like a body blow, especially when officers are poorly trained, have records of brutality, and are acquitted. When the roll of recent killings is called, women may be absent because there has been little publicity about assaults against women in the past year. Based on the record, however, we know such assaults are likely to have happened.

Contemporary African-American women are not the only ones who history has swallowed. Fannie Lou Hamer was beaten so many times, and so severely that she developed a blood clot and lost much of her sight in one eye. One kidney was injured and her entire body cov-

ered with welts and bruises. She never regained her health, yet when people call the roll of civil rights leaders and icons, her name is too often excluded. There is a historical precedent for the Julianne invisibility of AfMalveaux rican-American women. Hamer is but one of many women whose lives and sacrifices are often ignored.

Public policy also ignores the plight of African-American women.

President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative is well-meaning, but ignores the status of young African-American women. While young African-American women are more likely to go to college than young African-American men, those who do not go to college face some of the same job challenges as men do.

Young women can benefit from the same efforts that young men are offered through My Brother’s Keeper, such as mentorship and initiatives to develop pathways to education and employment.

Focusing on young African-American women should not minimize efforts to improve the status of young African-American men. There ought be no competition, but efforts for inclusion. The Black Lives Matter movement must recognize the killing of African-American women as well as African-American men. To do any less, to ignore the unarmed African-American women who are shot, suggests that only African-American men’s lives matter.

Any African American who is shot and killed by police officers deserves our attention.

Both African-American men and African-American women have economic, psychological, and physical wounds because of the racism we experience. Our economic wounds manifest as higher unemployment rates and lower wages. Our health wounds are illustrated through the health disparities we experience, along with differences in life expectancies. Our psychological wounds include dysfunction in our organizations and relationships.

We won’t have healthy and functional communities until we focus on healing wounds among all of us – African-American men and African-American women.

I’ve been impressed and excited by the Black Lives Matter movement and the young leadership that has emerged from it. This is a movement that, powerful as it is, would be so much stronger if it acknowledged that African-American women’s lives also matter.

(Julianne Malveaux is a Washington-based writer and economist. She can be reached at www.juliannemalveaux.com.)

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When I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in the mid 90’s, I moved to New York City. And I did what most young folks did them: found the cheapest apartment I could afDerrell ford in the nicest Bradford neighborhood possible. That place was a firstfloor front studio near Central Park.

The block was lovely, but I lived in the worst building on it. Sanitation workers used to wake me up when they threw the cans against my outside windows. In the winter, I heated the place with my open stove. And if anything broke, it took forever to get it fixed.

I paid about three-fourths of what I made to live in that apartment, and my landlord knew that. And because of this, our relationship was uneasy.

I only pushed so hard to get things fixed because I couldn’t afford to move. She only did enough to make it barely livable. And we both knew there were hundreds of kids, just like me, ready to take my spot if I decided to head back home. It was all win for her and, because I could not move, all lose for me.

My relationship with my old landlord is the same relationship most parents and children of color, particularly in cities, have with their neighborhood schools and school districts. The quality of instruction is poor and, according to the Office of Civil Rights, students are far more likely to be taught by a teacher who is out of subject specialization than elsewhere. There are 90 schools in New York City, for instance, where not one minority child passed the recent round of state tests. These kids and families are stuck with their schools just like my old landlord and I were; the school only giving what it must, and the family desperate to get more for their child’s education.

Eventually I got lucky, got a new job, and moved to a better apartment.

For most folks, however, moving to a better “building,” or a school or school district in this case, just isn’t an option.

If you have money or influence in America, you don’t even blink when your local school doesn’t deliver.

You know you can “move” to a private school or another school district, and the local school does too. So if that power is good enough for the wealthiest and most influential, why shouldn’t we give low-income families in southwest Baltimore where I’m from, or Newark, or New York the same options?

As a child I got a scholarship to an excellent school and that changed my life, forever, and there is no day I don’t wake up and know how blessed I am because of it.

“Parent Choice” in education is the one thing that can help families, just like mine, and help them today. Take a lesson from my old landlord. Your zip code and your income might dictate where you live…but they shouldn’t determine your child’s future.

(Originally printed in December, this commentary is being rerun by special request.)

(Derrell Bradford is executive director of the New York Campaign for Achievement Now {NYCAN})

QUOTING Shocking observation

“Let me try this again, after so many years of saying the same thing. The vast majority of the problems black people face in this nation can be solved through the utilization of economic power.

James That’s what runs Clingman this country and, therefore, that’s what gets desired outcomes. The lack of economic power results in a perverse weakness and subordination of any group of people. Thus, black folks are always shocked at our position, our mistreatment, and our dependency on the very political entities that care very little, if at all, about us. That’s backward and wrong-headed thinking.”

The New Tri-State Defender

April 30 - May 6, 2015

Page 5

OPINION

America’s 1.5 million missing black men is nothing short of genocide

by David A. Love theGrio

Where have all the brothers gone?

The numbers are staggering.

According to a report in The New York Times, black women between the ages of 25 and 54 outnumber black men by 1.5 million, based on an analysis of data from the 2010 U.S. Census. There were 7.046 black men of that age group not incarcerated, to 8.503 black women.

To put it another way, for every 100 black women, there are 83 black men. This is not the case in white America, where for every 100 women, there are 99 men, almost complete parity.

What that means, effectively, is that black men have disappeared. This reality lends credence to the idea that black men are an endangered species — not just symbolically or rhetorically, but based on the hard numbers.

Let’s explore this a little more. The Times estimated that more than a third of that 1.5 million gap — or 580,000 — is missing due to prison.

With about 625,000 black men of prime age incarcerated and 45,000 black women also in prison, you get a discrepancy of 580,000. This is due, of course, to the staggeringly high incarceration rate of black men, which is higher than any other group, in the nation a quarter of the world’s prisoners, and the most prisoners in the world.

Putting this in perspective, in the 25-54 age range, 1 in 12 black men is in prison. However, only 1 in 60 nonblack men is in prison. Meanwhile, 1 in 200 black women and 1 in 500 nonblack women is behind bars.

Of the remaining 900,000, it was estimated that somewhere between 300,000 and 700,000 are due to mortality, early

Julianne Malveaux

Protestors participate in a vigil for Freddie Gray down the street from the Baltimore Police Department’s Western District police station, April 21, 2015, in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, died from spinal injuries on April 19, one week after being taken into police custody. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images) death. After all, homicide is the leading cause of death for young black men, who also die from heart disease, respiratory disease and accidents more than the rest of the nation.

The place in America with the lowest rate of black men is, believe it or not, Ferguson, Missouri, with 37.5 percent. New York is the city with the most missing black men (118,000), followed by Chicago (45,000), Philly (36,000) Detroit (21,000) and Memphis (19,000).

So what does this all mean?

What struck me is that this is not a fluke, nor accidental, nor by chance. But rather, we can point to specific policies that have made black men disappear. First, I decided to look up the definition of the word genocide. The United Nations

Genocide Convention defines genocide as the following: Article II: In the present Convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: (a) Killing members of the group; (b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; (c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; (d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; (e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to an-

other group.

When society reinforces the notion that black men are a threat, then sets in motion laws and policies to address and ultimately eliminate that threat, is it any wonder that the brothers are missing? If the disappearing of black men is not genocide, then what should we call it?

Assessing the conditions in which black men are placed, and our historical role in society as the official national scapegoat, perennial boogeyman and monster, should we really be surprised we have disappeared? Society always believed that black men were to be feared and loathed, devalued and disregarded. This mindset has been reinforced in the culture, in the media, and in

the laws. During slavery, black men were perceived as a threat to the master’s house, criminalized based on the fear they would stage an uprising, burn down the plantation and, of course, rape the white women.

The war on drugs has been a war on black America, in which the justice system targets black men, locks them up and throws away the key. Although whites and blacks use drugs at similar rates, young men of color are racially profiled, harassed and brutalized through stop-and-frisk policies and arrested at much higher rates for drug possession.

And the black incarceration rate is ten times that of whites, according to Human Rights Watch. Families and communities have been decimated by

this war, and a generation lost.

From an early age, black children, and particularly black and brown boys, are dehumanized and criminalized and perceived as much older than their actual age. Funneled through a school-to-prison pipeline, many are provided an inferior education and unequal job opportunities — on purpose. And yet, in the land of 300 million guns, while the most vulnerable young black men and boys may not have access to a nourishing meal, education or job — or the ballot, for that matter — there never is a shortage of bullets for black bodies, it seems, and the black community is not a weapons manufacturer.

Further, we must not ignore the toll that racism plays on the black psyche, and on black health. As Billi Gordon, PhD wrote in Psychology Today, racism is causing a silent black genocide: “Stress acts first, and foremost, on the cardiovascular system. Hence, it is reasonable to suspect the pathophysiology of racebased stress as an antecedent to elevated heart disease in Black America.” Gordon also touched on the inherent sources of stress in the black community, including the numbers of black men in prison versus college, disintegrating support structures for black families, and the fact that the life expectancy of black men is seven years lower than anyone else.

In a land that advocates throwing away black men — in the streets, behind bars, and in the execution chamber — we now know the policy is a success, as the numbers show. The question is: how will society address this? This is not the past; this is happening now.

Perhaps the idea of reparations does not sound so far-fetched.

(Follow David A. Love on Twitter at @davidalove.)

April 30 - May 6, 2015

Page 6

NATION

The New Tri-State Defender

Black Male Entrepreneur Institute launched in D.C. U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. pioneers move to create more businesses, jobs

WASHINGTON D.C. – Calling it the first of many in the country, the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. on Wednesday launched the Young Black Male Entrepreneur Institute event at the City Club in the nation’s capital.

Eexperienced businessmen shared advice on building successful businesses in the new economy with more than 40 up-and-coming young black male entrepreneurs.

The charge in the room culminated with remarks from Ron Busby, president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., Harry Wingo, president and CEO of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, Antwayne Ford, president and CEO of Enlightened, Inc. and William Clyburn Jr., president & CEO of Clyburn Consulting LLC. The pilot initiative is designed to provide young

black male entrepreneurs, both seasoned and novice, with the opportunity to experience a specialized curriculum derived from what many consider the most competitive business schools and business development counseling in the region.

Participants have access to fellow entrepreneurs, and the chance to network with successful chamber leadership and improve their local com-

munities by creating jobs.

Through the USBC network, the young men are assured of access to resources and support to help sustain their businesses. Beyond creating wealth-building practices, the initiative aims to “reshape society’s negative perception of black men by elevating their visibility and impact in business, community and leadership; and enhancing their interest in economic de-

velopment.”

Institute engineer Howard R. Jean said he “jumped at the chance to be instrumental in enhancing a diverse pool of young talented black men who aspire to build legacies through economic empowerment as business owners and not just employees.”

Saying “a fire was lit,” Keith Benjamin Jr., institute organizer, said, “(It’s) going to be amazing watching the paths

to success created and blazed in the months to come.”

(To learn more the Black Male Entrepreneur Institute, including how to launch a program in your city, contact the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. at 202-463-8722. Or email info@usblackchambers.org.

For more information about the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., visit our website at www. usblackchambers.org.)

OPINION

‘Riot shaming’ – the new fad?

What those calling for calm don’t understand about black poverty, struggle

by David A. Love theGrio

In light of the current unrest in Baltimore, riot shaming seems to be the new fad.

Everybody’s doing it, and while it is easy, it helps us change the subject and ignore the harder issues facing African Americans.

What is unfolding in that city, of course, and is receiving national attention, is the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray, 25, who died of a broken spine while in police custody.

The circumstances around the man’s killing and public outrage in the African-American community have led to peaceful protests.

And unfortunately, though understandably, things have boiled over, with riots and looting by some. Gov. Larry Hogan (R-Md.) has declared a state of emergency and called in the National Guard, and Baltimore schools are closed.

And people have lined up to condemn the riots, the looting, and the violence. For example, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake in front of the cameras Monday night referring to the rioters as “thugs.”

In an interview with CNN’s Don Lemon, Gov. Hogan seemed to channel his inner 1950s Southern governor. “What we’ve now seen is outside agitators, gangs and just really thugs as the mayor called them, that are out there threatening people, injuring people and destroying property, and we’re not going to put up with it,” Hogan said before he and Mayor Rawlings-Blake walked away from the interview when Lemon’s questioning apparently became a little too difficult for them.

And Sen. Rand Paul Rand, R-Ky., blamed the violence on “breakdown in the family structure, the lack of fathers and the lack of moral code in our society.” He added: “The mayor obviously could have been stronger with saying: ‘We are going to secure the city. We are not going to have thievery. We are not going to have thuggery.’”

He then added, “None of this excuses thuggery and thievery.”

Whenever there is a killing of an unarmed African-American person by police, typically, the victim is demonized as a thug, as are the protesters and rioters who react to the killing.

This is because African-American people are viewed in their entirety as criminals. Whites who protest or riot are not called thugs, because the word thug serves as a proxy for the N-word, whether it’s black or white people using the descriptors.

“No, it’s not the right word to call our children thugs,” Baltimore City Council member Carl Stokes told CNN’s Erin Burnett. “These are children who have been set aside, marginalized, who have not been engaged by us.”

“But how does that justify what they did?” Burnett asked Stokes. “That’s a sense of right and wrong. They know it’s wrong to steal and burn down a CVS and an old persons’ home. I mean, come on.”

“Come on? Just call them n****rs. Just call them

Twitter post: Famous Jett Jackson @RawnDaGreat: Positive RT @SB_Deee: Baltimore Baltimore they ain’t show this ona News doe. 5:37 PM - 27 Apr 2015. n****rs,” Stokes exclaimed in frustration.

Some leaders slam “thug” as the new n-word

A man hugs a friend after being prayed over April 28, 2015, during a protest near the Baltimore CVS pharmacy that had been set on fire the day before during unrest after the funeral of Freddie Gray. Gray, 25, was arrested April 12, suffered a severe spinal cord injury while in police custody and died a week later. (Andrew Burton/ Getty Images)

A protester walks through tear gas as police enforce a mandatory, city-wide curfew of 10 p.m. near the CVS pharmacy that was set on fire during rioting after the funeral of Freddie Gray, on April 28, 2015, in Baltimore, Md. (Photo: Andrew Burton/ Getty Images)

But as people line up to condemn the unrest and lecture so-called thugs on how to behave, few condemn the oppressive conditions, the unjust policies, the structural racism, the police brutality and the poverty that have plagued Baltimore for years. And if the looting of the CVS disturbs you more than the alleged severing of a man’s spine, then you have lost your humanity, and your priorities are all wrong.

“When I go to Baltimore, on the East Coast, I’m dealing with 1950s-level black-andwhite racism,” Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts told a White House task force on policing. “It’s taken a step back. Everything’s either black or everything’s white, and we’re dealing with that as a community.”

Mr. Gray’s death was the breaking point, but it was a long time coming.

As the Baltimore Sun reported, the city has paid about $5.7 million since 2011 in over 100 police brutality lawsuits and $5.8 million in legal fees. The police have beaten, maimed and killed their victims, which include children, a pregnant mother, a 65-yearold church deacon and an 87-year-old grandmother – mostly African American.

And as Bill Quigley wrote in the Huffington Post, the disturbing statistics about daily life in Baltimore are more shocking than recent events.

The poverty rate is 23.8 percent. White babies born

in Baltimore will have a life expectancy six years longer than black babies. Black babies are nine times more likely to die before their first birthday than white babies.

The high school graduation rate for Baltimore City schools is 56.4 percent.

Again, the numbers are downright disturbing.

Meanwhile, in the midst of Baltimore urban rebellion, some voices have invoked the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to a strategy of nonviolence. However, they fail to mention what Dr. King said about riots: “It is not enough for me to stand before you tonight and condemn riots. It would be morally irresponsible for me to do that without, at the same time, condemning the contingent, intolerable conditions that exist in our society. These conditions are the things that cause individuals to feel that they have no other alternative than to engage in violent rebellions to get attention. And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard.”

John Angelos, COO of the Baltimore Orioles, echoed King’s words: “I agree … that the principle of peaceful, nonviolent protest and the observance of the rule of law is of utmost importance in any society.

MLK, Gandhi, Mandela and all great opposition leaders throughout history have always preached this precept.”

That said, my personal concern, outrage and sympathy isn’t focused on one night’s property damage, but on the past four-decades during which an American political elite has shipped middle class and working class jobs away from Baltimore and American cities to China and other countries, plunged tens of millions of good, hard-working Americans into economic devastation, and then followed that action around the nation by diminishing every American’s civil rights protections in order to control an unfairly impoverished population living under an ever-declining standard of living and suffering at the butt end of an ever-more militarized and aggressive surveillance state.

We need to keep in mind that people are suffering and dying around the U.S., and while we are thankful no one was injured at Camden Yards, there is a far bigger picture for poor Americans in Baltimore and everywhere who don’t have jobs and are losing economic, civil and legal rights, and this makes inconvenience at a ballgame irrelevant.

As we watch the events unfold in Baltimore, not unlike Ferguson – and Los Angeles 20 years ago, and cities such as Detroit, Watts and Newark which experienced urban rebellions sparked by acts of police brutality in the 1960s – shaming the rioters is the easy way out when we refuse to address African-American suffering.

It is clear that no expense will be spared in bringing America’s military might to bear on the African-American folks of Baltimore. But where were the resources to eliminate poverty and unemployment and end predatory policing in the African-American community?

(Follow David A. Love on Twitter @davidalove.)

The New Tri-State Defender

April 30 - May 6, 2015

Page 7

BUSINESS

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Memphis set for a big ‘BOOM’ First time the Memphis Economic Ecosystem has collaborated to coordinate a power-pack conference that benefits entrepreneurs and small, minority- and women-owned businesses.

by Wiley Henry

whenry@tsdmemphis.com

A two-day comprehensive business conference offering a wealth of information, opportunities and assistance to entrepreneurs and small, minority- and women-owned businesses should be a “BOOM” for the Memphis Economic Ecosystem.

The BOOM Conference, which stands for “Businesses Open For Opportunities In Memphis,” will launch Thursday (April 30) with a MORE Power Summit at the Downtown Sheraton Hotel, 250 North Main St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The power summit precedes the USBC Solution Series the following day (May 1) at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn, 3700 Central Ave., from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; followed by the Black Business Association BENNY Awards, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Who are you? Are you a lawyer, doctor or businessperson who has lost it all? Are you successful yet unhappy and unfulfilled? Have you experienced a public stumble or hiccup?

Have you spent time incarcerated for whatever reason? Do you wish you were a better parCarlee ent, sister or friend? Do McCullough, you have health issues?

Esq. Although success is better than failure, the biggest lessons learned are from failure.

Whatever your circumstance may be, reinvention starts with action. Any characteristic, trait, or behavior can be changed with attention and action. While many people believe that what you do defines who you are, it really does not. A doctor may get paid more than the nurse, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the doctor is better than the nurse. The most successful folks have problems. In the words of Puffy, “more money, more problems.”

Happiness and self-fulfillment can be obtained with reinvention if it currently does not exist in a person’s day-to-day life. The most difficult parts of reinvention is identifying the vision, creating the plan, staying focused and putting the plan into action.

Identifying the vision

“We are so excited about the BOOM conference.

This is not going to waste your time. We’ll have a chock-full of information.”

Susan Taylor, founder & CEO of National CARES Mentoring Movement and editor emerita of Essence Magazine, will be the guest speaker.

“We’re going strong and hard all day. We got a lot packed into those two days,” said Alandas Dobbins, executive director of MORE, the Memphis Office of Resources and Enterprise, which is spearheading the conference.

MORE, a business incubator started about three years ago by Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr., is a conglomerate of partner organizations with a collective mission to grow businesses in Memphis and Shelby County.

This is the first time the Memphis Economic Ecosystem has collaborated to coordinate a power-pack conference that benefits entrepreneurs and small, minority- and women-owned businesses. BOOM has all the tools that startups and fledgling businesses need to succeed, Dobbins said.

“We are so excited about the BOOM conference. This is not going to waste your time.

We’ll have a chock-full of information.”

Day 1 will begin with workshops for entrepreneurs at all stages of business, a SharkTank style “Business Pitch” competition, panels on government purchasing, corporate purchasing, taxes and insurance, and franchise opportunities.

“During the course of the day, we got the City of Memphis opening up…telling what particular opportunities are coming down the pike for anybody who’s wanting to bid on city contracts,” said Dobbins.

“That’s one of our first workshops.”

Walter N. Perry III, the district director from the Tennessee District Office of The U.S. Small Business Administration in Nashville will be available to talk about SBA’s programs and the state’s bidding process.

Attendees also will hear from four successful African-American business owners who are listed on BE (Black Enterprise) 100s list of the nation’s largest black businesses.

“That’s going to kick us right off,” Dobbins said.

A luncheon is also included, featuring Lisa Price, creator

Reinventing yourself to achieve happiness and self-fulfillment

Alandas Dobbins, executive director of MORE, the Memphis Office of Resources and Enterprise of Carol’s Daughter, a line of beauty products and fragrances. Price will share her story on how she transformed a home-based business into a multi-million dollar deal with L’Oreal.

The conference is free; the luncheon is $30.

“There’s something there (conference) for everybody no matter what size your business is,” Dobbins said. “This is a place for you.”

One of the closing panels of the day will include a competition for aspiring entrepreneurs based on the popular reality TV series Shark Tank, whose business presentations will be judged by a group of venture capitalists.

“Someone will win $1,000 on the spot,” Dobbins said.

On Day II, attendees will be able to identify access to capital, receive entrepreneurial training, and participate in a town hall meeting. The venture capitalists also will steer promising businesses to funding sources.

“There’s something there (conference) for everybody no matter what size your business is,” Dobbins said. “This is a place for you.”

The BOOM Conference ends with the BBA BENNY Awards luncheon, which is $50. The BENNY Awards recognizes superior achievement in business by minority- and women-owned businesses and by supportive corporations.

“We want to touch everybody,” said Dobbins. “We want Memphis, black people and minorities to think and dream big. We want them to be successful.”

Identifying the vision may truly be the most difficult to achieve. Reinvention cannot take place if the goal cannot be envisioned. Consider the past, present and future. The past has created who you are today.

Each experience has been layered on top of each other. The present is where you are now. Whether you are happy with where you are or desire something more, less or different, evaluating the present is mandatory.

The future cannot be mapped out without consideration of the past and present.

Knowing what makes you happy or unhappy is most important in the reinvention process. There is absolutely no need to reinvent yourself into something that you do not enjoy or like.

Reinvention is the opportunity to finally be what you want to be. Perhaps the first part of life was achieving and becoming what family thought you should be professionally. But reinvention creates the chance for another bite of the apple.

Remember most people believe that you only live once. So maximize any opportunities to do it your way.

Creating the plan Knowing who to formulate the plan

is a challenge for most. Start by learning yourself. Take the time to perform a self evaluation of your likes and dislikes, what you want to do different, where you want to be, how you want to get there, and when you want to arrive.

Read books, magazines, journals, blogs, websites and look at videos about where you want to be in the future. There is nothing easy about reinvention. It takes time and planning.

It is not an overnight process and can take years of dedication and action.

Map out a five-year plan that includes the steps required for reinvention. Every day there should be some movement toward the goal.

Reinvention takes passion, time, effort and sometimes money to start all over.

Reinvention can be gradual and appear to be too slow. But identifying the steps in the process is crucial as it pertains to implementation of the plan. Without a plan, the movement can wind up being circular.

Some of the steps should include the following: 1.

Identify the vision and passion 2.

Find visuals of the vision 3.

Identify a mentor 4.

Break the plan up into smaller steps over a 5-year-period: a. Year 1 – Research on the vision b. Year 2 – Networking in pursuit of the vision c. Year 3 – Work the plan full force d. Year 4 – See the light at the end of the tunnel e. Year 5 – Reinvention should be complete with full dedication to the process 5.

Visualize the outcome daily and stay focused Action Ready, Set, Action! Whatever the ultimate goal, place yourself daily in the position to accomplish the reinvention. The journey may appear to be long and tedious, but the steps and process are required to achieve the end result.

While the first half of life may have been lived for others, the second part can be reserved just for you through reinvention. Put aside your fears and know that it can be done. Refer to the plan frequently just to keep yourself on track and focused.

A daily visual of the goal helps to serve as a reminder of the path to be traveled and the vision to be achieved.

See you on the other side of your reinvention.

(Contact Carlee M. McCullough, Esq. at 901-795-0050; email – jstce4all@aol. com.)

April 30 - May 6, 2015

Page 8

RELIGION

The New Tri-State Defender

15 years in ministry...

PHOTO LEFT: Dr. Christopher B. Davis (left), senior pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church, celebrated 15 years in ministry Saturday, April 25. Since his selection as pastor of the 135-year-old church at 2124 East Holmes Rd., Dr. Davis has expanded the membership from 200 to more than 1,500. Rev. Keith Norman, senior pastor of First Baptist ChurchBroad, was the guest speaker. PHOTO RIGHT: Dr. Davis is surrounded by familly, friends and other loved ones during the celebratory evening. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

COMMENTARY

Fighting for a more inclusive pulpit

by Pernessa C. Seele NNPA Guest Columnist

African American pulpits across our nation are standing steadfast in condemning the continuous brutality and injustice against Black lives, as it plays out on American streets and often on our nightly news.

It is now time for our pulpits to also turn our eyes inward and conduct an exploratory investigation into the massive killing of character and explosive hatred that is continuously aimed at the human rights and dignity of Black gay men and women, all done in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, and our loving God. The recent press release issued by the National Baptist Fellowship of Concerned Pastors calling for Rev. Forrest E. Harris, president and CEO of the American Baptist College, to disinvite Bishop Yvette Flunder; Allan Aubrey Boesak, who holds the Desmond Tutu Chair of Peace, Global Justice and Reconciliation Studies at Christian Theological Seminary; and Pastor Delman Coates to preach at the 2015 Garnett-Nabrit Lecture Series is yet another example of the misguided leadership of some pulpits that must bear responsibility for some of the erosion that Black families face today.

Crucifixion is being requested for these prophetic ambassadors of God because they are advocates of human rights for all persons and seek to tear down the walls of hatred, brutality and injustice for same-gender loving persons in our families, communities and world.

The U.S. Department of Education released new statistics on student homelessness, reporting

that nearly 1.3 million public school students in the United States experienced homelessness in the 2012-13 school year. This marked an 8 percent rise from the 2011-12 school year. Every day 13 homeless youth die on American streets.

The rates of African American youth are disproportionately higher and steadily increasing every year in many cities.

It is well-documented that as many as 40 percent of homeless teens are LGBT. These youth sleep on streets; eat from trashcans and are often sexually and mentally abused because their parents decided to put them outside of the home because of their sexual orientation. According to suicide prevention resources, LGBT youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide as their straight peers.

LGBT youth who come from highly rejecting families are 8.4 times as likely to have attempted suicide as LGBT peers who reported no or low levels of family rejection. Suicide attempts are nearly two times higher among Black and Hispanic youth than White youth.

1 out of 6 students nationwide (grades 9-12) seriously considered suicide in the past year.

For more than 30 years, the African American community has sat silent while the rates of HIV among Black gay men and Black women reaches the highest in the nation. CDC reports that 1 in 4 Black gay men will become HIV positive by the time they are 25; and 1 in 2 will have HIV by the time they are 35.

The sin of this is far too many pulpits give comfort and support to families and communities who de-value the lives of their children as they promote homelessness, suicide and death

in the name of a loving God who rains fear and evil on His LGBT children. Across our nation, Black Lives Matter banners are being widely flown and worn by men and women of faith.

According to biblical scriptures, all Black lives matter, including gay, bi-sexual, transgender and heterosexual lives.

The African American church is the most influential institution in the lives of Black Americans.

This is noted by Pew Research that states African-Americans stand out as the most religiously committed racial or ethnic group in the nation. Eighty-Seven percent of African-Americans describe themselves as belonging to one religious group or another.

The Balm In Gilead stands solidly with President Forrest Harris and The American Baptist College for your commitment to educating a new generation of faith leaders and advocates who will stand boldly against the dark forces of ignorance and hatred. We pray that the prophetic work and courage to restore wholeness of all men and women; families and communities through the redeeming, unconditional love of Jesus Christ, championed by Bishop Yvette Flunder, Professor Allan Aubrey Boesak and Pastor Delman Coates will bear witness and initiate demonstration from all pulpits throughout our nation and world.

(Pernessa C. Seele is Founder/CEO The Balm In Gilead, Inc., an organization that develops educational and training programs targeting African American and African congregations that strive to become community centers for health education and disease prevention.)

Reaching a milestone...

Rev. Gerald Rayborn, senior pastor of the New Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church on Horn Lake Road, celebrated his 69th birthday with his church family and loved ones Friday, April 24. His wife, Bonnie, gave him a congratulatory kiss to show her appreciation. The celebration included a birthday cake inscribed with the words “Happy Birthday, Pastor Rayborn.” (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

ENTERTAINMENT The New Tri-State Defender, April 30 - May 6, 2015, Page 9

Memphis slotted for ‘Off The Chain Live Comedy’ tour

Idris Elba reprises his role as Heimdall in the Marvel franchise “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” (Courtesy photo)

by Kam Williams

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

For movies opening May 1, 2015 BIG BUDGET FILMS “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (PG-13 for suggestive comments and intense violence, action and scenes of destruction) Eleventh installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise finds Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) joining forces to prevent a diabolical villain with a God complex (James Spader) from wiping humanity off the face of the planet. With Samuel L. Jackson, Elizabeth Olsen, Idris Elba, Hayley Atwell, Don Cheadle, Paul Bettany, Anthony Mackie and Linda Cardellini.

“Far from the Madding Crowd” (PG-13 for violence and some sexuality) Third screen adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel, set in Victorian England, revolving around a trio of suitors, a shepherd (Matthias Schoenaerts), a sergeant (Tom Sturridge) and a wealthy bachelor (Michael Sheen), vying for the affections of a fetching, headstrong farmer (Carey Mulligan). With Juno Temple, Jessica Barden and Eloise Oliver.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS “The 100 Year-Old Man Who Climbed

out the Window and Disappeared” (R for profanity and violence) Screen adaptation of Jonas Jonasson’s novel of the same name about a frisky geezer (Robert Gustafsson) who celebrates his 100th birthday by making a break from his retirement home to embark on a daring adventure of a lifetime. With Iwar Wiklander, Mia Skaringer and David Wiberg.

(In Swedish, Spanish, Russian German, English and French) “Any Day” (Unrated) Romance drama about a just-paroled murderer (Sean Bean) in search of redemption who moves in with his sister (Kate Walsh), gets a job at a pizzeria and starts dating a woman (Eva Longoria) he meets in a grocery store. Cast includes Tom Arnold, Shane Black and Sonya Eddy.

“Marie’s Story” (Unrated) Fact-based biopic, set in 19th Century France, about a neglected, deaf and blind girl (Ariana Rivoire) who realized her potential with the help of the Catholic nun (Isabelle Carre) who started teaching her how to communicate for the first time at the age of 14. With Gilles Treton, Brigitte Catillon and Noemie Churlet. (In French and sign language with subtitles) “Maya the Bee Movie” (G) Animated adventure about a lowly drone with a big heart (Coco Jack Gillies) who leads the search party after the Queen bee’s (Miriam Margolyes) royal jelly is stolen. Voice cast includes Jacki Weaver, Noah Taylor and Nina Hagen.

“Cas & Dylan” (Unrated) Unlikely-buddies dramedy about a suicidal, senior citizen with a brain tumor (Richard Dreyfuss) who embarks on a cross-country road trip with the free-spirited, 22 year-old girlfriend (Tatiana Maslany) of a guy (Christopher Cordell) he accidentally ran over. With Aaron Poole, Jayne Eastwood and Corinne Conley.

“Ride” (R for profanity and drug use) Helen Hunt wrote, directed and stars in this California dreaming dramedy as a concerned mom who quits her job as an editor at the New Yorker to be with her son (Brenton Thwaites) in L.A. after he drops out of college to surf while finding himself. Supporting cast includes Luke Wilson, Richard Kind and Robert Knepper.

“Gerontophilia” (Unrated) Romantic comedy about love which blossoms between a teenaged summer intern (Pier-Gabriel Lajoie) and one of the residents (Walter Borden) in the old folks home where he works as an orderly.

Featuring Katie Boland, Yardly Kavanagh and Shawn Campbell. (In English and French with subtitles)

“Welcome to Me” (R for sexuality, profanity, graphic nudity and brief drug use) Quirky character study about a lottery winner suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder (Kristen Wiig) who stops taking her meds and starts hosting her own TV talk show. With Linda Cardellini, James Marsden, Tim Robbins, Joan Cusack, Loretta Devine and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Memphis has been penciled in as a stop on a 17-city comedy tour called Off The Chain Live!

Bounce TV dropped word about the tour on Tuesday.

The comedy tour is based on Bounce TV’s popular standup comedy series “Off The Chain.”

The Memphis performance at Chuckles Comedy House at 1770 Dexter Road Loop in Cordova is set for July 30.

Bounce TV is the nation’s first broadcast television network designed for African American audiences. “Off The Chain” is a family-friendly comedy show featuring some of the most hilarious African-American comedians on the standup scene. Bounce TV airs on the digital signals of local television stations with corresponding cable carriage.

“Off The Chain” series host Rodney Perry will headline all of the Off The Chain Live! performances. Perry is a popular comedian who has opened for such top comics as George Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey.

He served as the co-host of “The Mo’Nique Show” on BET, host of the “Who’s Got Jokes?” series and also starred in Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family.”

Comedians Lav Luv and Kiana Dancie will perform as part of the tour, with Luv serving as MC for all shows. Luv beat out over 200 fellow comedians to win Bill Bellamy’s “Who’s Got Jokes?” series in 2008 and went on to tour with such top comedians as Jamie Foxx, Chris Tucker and Bellamy.

Dancie was also featured in Bellamy’s “Who’s Got Jokes?” show and appeared in season two of “Off The Chain.” She has shared the stage with Mo’Nique, Perry, Sheryl Underwood, Earthquake, Katt Williams and many other comedy greats.

The tour stops: April 29 – Charlotte, N.C., Comedy Zone; April 30, May 1-2 – Columbia, S.C., Comedy House; June 3 – Birmingham, Ala., Stardome; June 6 – Atlanta, Karma Bistro; June 18 – Jacksonville, Fla., Comedy Club of Jacksonville; June 19 – Savannah, Ga., Odyssey; June 21 – Tallahassee, Fla., Top Flight; June 25-27 – Chicago, Jokes & Notes; June 28 – Detroit, Masonic Temple; July 2 – Syracuse, N.Y., Funnybone; July 3 – Rochester, N.Y., Comedy Factory; July 15 – Philadelphia, Warmdaddy’s; July 16 –Washington, D.C., Martini’s; July 17-18 –Baltimore, Md., Comedy Factory; July 30 – Memphis, Chuckles Comedy House; July 31, Aug. 1 – Chattanooga, Comedy Catch; Aug. 2 – Nashville, Zanies Source: (PRNewswire)

April 30 - May 6, 2015

Page 10

Legal Notices

REQUEST FOR BIDS Legal Notice MSCAA Project Number 15-1392-00 Pavement Joint Resealing 2016-2020

Sealed bids for the Pavement Joint Resealing 2016-2020 MSCAA Project No. 15-1392-00 will be received by the Staff Services Division of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA), 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118, until 2:00 PM local time on Thursday, May 28, 2015, and immediately thereafter will be opened and publicly read. BIDS WILL NOT BE RECEIVED AT ANY OTHER LOCATION. The Work is generally described as follows: pavement joint resealing with silicone joint sealant and hot-pour elastomeric sealant and joint rebuilding with urethane-base concrete. The Proposal in the Contract Documents includes unit prices for the 2015-2016 Contract Years.

2017-2020 Contract Years will be negotiated based on new proposed unit prices for the quantities shown in the contract documents. A supplemental agreement will be negotiated for each additional contract year. If a satisfactory negotiation is not attained, the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority reserves the right to terminate the contract and/or re-bid the work for any portion of the remaining Contract Years from 2017-2020. Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority reserves the right to terminate the annual renewal for subsequent years for lack of funding, unsatisfactory unit prices, or unsatisfactory workmanship.

The Bid Documents may be obtained on or after Thursday, April 30, 2015. Bid documents may be found on the MSCAA website (www.mscaa.com).

All Respondents are hereby notified that all updates, addenda and additional information, if any, shall be posted to the MSCAA website (www.mscaa.com) and Respondents are responsible for checking the MSCAA website up to the time of the Bid submission deadline.

A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. local time at the MSCAA Project Center, located at 4225 Airways Boulevard, Memphis, TN. Immediately following the meeting a bus tour of the project site will be available. Only those attending will be allowed to submit responses to this Request for Bids.

The MSCAA hereby notifies that it will review and award contracts in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4a and Title 49, Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act. MSCAA further notifies all Bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, creed, religion, sexual orientation or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services and activities. The DBE participation goal for this contract is 21% in accordance with the requirements of the Contract Documents.

The only participation that will be counted toward meeting this goal will be participation by certified DBEs, the owners of which have been certified as having a personal net worth less than $1.32 million.

Each bid must be by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. In accordance with TCA §62-6-119, the Bidder, and where applicable, one contractor/subcontractor performing electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or masonry work must have its license number, expiration date of the license, and that part of the classification applying to the bid shown on the outside of the envelope containing the bid. Failure to supply all information on the outside of the envelope will result in the return of the unopened envelope to the Bidder. The successful Bidder will be required to execute a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of 100% of the Contract Price. Liquidated damages for delay in contract completion shall be as stated in the Contract Documents.

No Bidder may withdraw an opened bid within the defined period following actual bid opening without MSCAA’s consent.

Award will be made to the lowest and best responsible qualified Bidder, if any contract is awarded, based on the best combination of base bid plus individual add-alternates deemed, at MSCAA’s sole discretion, to be in MSCAA’s best interests regardless of whether the individual add-alternates are ultimately constructed or not constructed.

MSCAA reserves the right to reject any or all bids in whole or in part and to waive any informalities, technicalities or omissions therein. MSCAA also reserves the right to reject bids from bidders that have pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, or if such bid includes a proposed subcontractor or supplier that has pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, if MSCAA determines, in its sole discretion, such litigation or claims may adversely affect the ability of the parties to work efficiently and effectively under this contract, or for any other reason as determined by MSCAA. Any such bid will be returned to the bidder.

See Instructions to Bidders in the project specifications for a further description of this and other reservations of rights.

MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

By Scott A. Brockman, President & CEO All Interested Bidders The Shelby County Board of Education will be accepting written bids for the 20152016 SY Milk and Refrigerated Juice #050715. Visit our website for additional information: www.scsk12.org-Departments, Procurement Services link, click on Bids & RFPs. Shelby County Board of Education does not accept bids electronically by email or by facsimile.

Questions concerning proposals should be addressed to Lajuanna Jones-Sulton, Buyer, (901) 416-3508.

Thank you for your interest and responses.

Shelby County Schools – Procurement Services

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CLASSIFIEDS THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS 203 Beale Street, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38103 PH (901) 523-1818 FAX (901) 578-5037 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

DEADLINES: Display ads Monday 5 p.m.

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RATES: Standard rates: $9.50 per line for 1 column ad.

Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation.

For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Project No. CDBG Contract No. 34918 Town of Collierville, TN (Owner) Separate sealed bids for TC2015-12 “2012-D CDBG for Debris Collection Site” will be received by the office of the Director of General Services at the Town of Collierville, 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017 until 2:00 P.M., CT on May 19, 2015 and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud.

A Pre-Bid meeting will be held at Town of Collierville, 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017 at 2:00 P.M., C.T. on May 12, 2015.

The Information for Bidder’s, Form of Bid, Form of Contract, Plans, Specifications, and Forms of Bid Bond, Performance and Payment Bond, and other contract documents may be examined at the following: • Town of Collierville – 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017.

• Builder’s Exchange- 642 South Cooper, Memphis, TN 38104.

• http://www.tn.gov/businessopp/procure_opp.html - The Governor’s Office of Business Diversity.

• West Tennessee Plans Room - 439 Airways Blvd., Jackson, TN 38301.

Complete bid packages are available from the Purchasing Division, 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; by facsimile request at 901-457-2258; or by email request at tocpurchasing@ci.collierville.tn.us. The following information must be included in the request for a copy of any bid: *Vendor Number, Contact Name, Company Name and Address, Telephone and Fax Number, Bid Number, and Bid Due Date.

A non‑refundable fee of $150.00 must be paid per set of said documents, plans and specifications.

The owner reserves the right to waive any informalities or to reject any or all bids. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the Town is the final authority and shall have the right to reject any single BID or all BIDS submitted.

Each bidder must deposit with his bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders.

All bidders must be licensed General Contractors as required by the Contractor’s Licensing Act of 1994 of the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, and qualified for the type of construction being bid upon.

Attention of bidders is particularly called to the requirements as to conditions of employment to be observed and minimum wage rates to be paid under the contract, Section 3, Segregated Facility, Section 109 and E.O. 11246.

No bidder may withdraw his bid within 60 days after the actual date of the opening thereof.

Director of General Services Town of Collierville, Tennessee NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Michael A. Davis, Jr. Tax Parcel # 04800200000190 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 9978 Price Offered: $30,000.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on May 19, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Antonio Keith Tax Parcel # 03801700000010 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 6553 Price Offered: $6,000.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on May 20, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

BEER PERMITS Flat Rate: $30 GENERAL INFORMATION: Some categories require prepayment.

All ads subject to credit approval. The New Tri-State Defender reserves the right to correctly classify and edit all copy or to reject or cancel any ad at any time. Only standard abbreviations accepted. Copy change during ordered schedule constitutes new ad & new changes. Deadlines for cancellation are identical to placement deadlines. Rates subject to change.

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Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Bria Mitchell Tax Parcel # 04100100000980 Tax Sale # 0604 Exhibit # 4689 Price Offered: $625.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on May 19, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Bria Mitchell Tax Parcel # 04100100001010 Tax Sale # 0201 Exhibit # 6169 Price Offered: $100.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:15 a.m. on May 19, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Bria Mitchell Tax Parcel # 04103300000230 Tax Sale # 96.2 Exhibit # 4064 Price Offered: $50.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on May 19, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Bria Mitchell Tax Parcel # 04106200000060 Tax Sale # 0203 Exhibit # 6526 Price Offered: $100.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:15 a.m. on May 19, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Bria Mitchell Tax Parcel # 04106200000080 Tax Sale # 54 Exhibit # 5511 Price Offered: $200.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on May 19, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warran-

ties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Bria Mitchell Tax Parcel # 04106200000390 Tax Sale # 55 Exhibit # 5957 Price Offered: $200.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:15 a.m. on May 19, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Bria Mitchell Tax Parcel # 04106300000100 Tax Sale # 82.2 Exhibit # 6494 Price Offered: $200.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on May 19, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Bria Mitchell Tax Parcel # 02106800000890 Tax Sale # 0701 Exhibit # 1696 Price Offered: $175.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:30 p.m. on May 19, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Bria Mitchell Tax Parcel # 04106300000130 Tax Sale # 99.1 Exhibit # 6566 Price Offered: $200.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:45 a.m. on May 19, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Bria Mitchell Tax Parcel # 04106300000220 Tax Sale # 0103 Exhibit # 9361 Price Offered: $50.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:00 p.m. on May 19, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Bria Mitchell Tax Parcel # 04106600000080 Tax Sale # 0602 Exhibit # 5054

Price Offered: $100.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:15 p.m. on May 19, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Bria Mitchell Tax Parcel # 04205100000350 Tax Sale # 0602 Exhibit # 5408 Price Offered: $360.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:45 p.m. on May 19, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Bria Mitchell Tax Parcel # 04106600000140 Tax Sale # 54 Exhibit # 5526 Price Offered: $200.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on May 19, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Ronald Roberts Tax Parcel # 02504800000050 Tax Sale # 1002 Exhibit # 212 Price Offered: $9,000.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on May 20, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Thurman David, Jr. Tax Parcel # 02603800000360 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 3184 Price Offered: $5,000.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:30 p.m. on May 28, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Letricia Wiggins Tax Parcel # 07517100000120 Tax Sale # 1002 Exhibit # 1873 Price Offered: $4,500.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on May 20, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL

April 30 - May 6, 2015

The New Tri-State Defender

(901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Marvenia L. Malone Tax Parcel # 06007600000340 Tax Sale # 0005 Exhibit # 11319 Price Offered: $200.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:00 a.m. on May 22, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED NOMINAL CONSIDERATION CONVEYANCE OR SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2509(d), that Shelby County Government has received a Request for a Nominal Consideration Conveyance to acquire the following property: Memphis Business Academy

Page 11

CLASSIFIEDS

Tax Parcel #07205400000300 Tax Sale # 0803 Exhibit # 329352 List Price: $4,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional requests for Offers to Purchase may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional Offers to Purchase are received and found acceptable, all prospective Purchasers will be notified and the property will be re-advertised based upon the acceptable offer. If no additional acceptable Offers to Purchase are received, the property will thereafter be conveyed to the above purchaser for Nominal Consideration as approved by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners “AS IS -WHERE IS” without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED NOMINAL CONSIDERATION CONVEYANCE OR SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2509(d), that Shelby County Government has received a Request for a Nominal Consideration Conveyance to acquire the following property: Memphis Business Academy Tax Parcel #07205400000310 Tax Sale # 0203 Exhibit # 12148 List Price: $6,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional requests for Offers to Purchase may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional Offers to Purchase are received and found acceptable, all prospective Purchasers will be notified and the prop-

erty will be re-advertised based upon the acceptable offer. If no additional acceptable Offers to Purchase are received, the property will thereafter be conveyed to the above purchaser for Nominal Consideration as approved by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners “AS IS -WHERE IS” without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED NOMINAL CONSIDERATION CONVEYANCE OR SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2509(d), that Shelby County Government has received a Request for a Nominal Consideration Conveyance to acquire the following property: Memphis Business Academy Tax Parcel #07205400000480 Tax Sale # 85.1 Exhibit # 2897 List Price: $1,500.00 Terms: Cash Additional requests for Offers to Purchase may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional Offers to Purchase are received and found acceptable, all prospective Purchasers will be notified and the property will be re-advertised based upon the acceptable offer. If no additional acceptable Offers to Purchase are received, the property will thereafter be conveyed to the above purchaser for Nominal Consideration as approved by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners “AS IS -WHERE IS” without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE,

MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED NOMINAL CONSIDERATION CONVEYANCE OR SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2509(d), that Shelby County Government has received a Request for a Nominal Consideration Conveyance to acquire the following property: Memphis Business Academy Tax Parcel #07205400000490 Tax Sale # 0602 Exhibit # 10119 List Price: $4,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional requests for Offers to Purchase may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional Offers to Purchase are received and found acceptable, all prospective Purchasers will be notified and the property will be re-advertised based upon the acceptable offer. If no additional acceptable Offers to Purchase are received, the property will thereafter be conveyed to the above purchaser for Nominal Consideration as approved by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners “AS IS -WHERE IS” without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Govern-

ment has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Calvin and Katina Rounds Tax Parcel # 07508200000390 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 17733 Price Offered: $5,000.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on May 22, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 ALL INTERESTED BIDDERS The Shelby County Board of Education will accept written Qualification’s for Professional Architecture and Engineering Services.

Visit our website for additional information: www.scsk12.org-Departments, Procurement Services link, click on Bids & RFPs. Questions concerning proposals should be addressed to Procurement Services at (901) 416-5376.

Thank you for your interest and responses.

Teacher of the Week “Celebration of Teachers” Sunday is approaching and the countdown spotlight is on Ayodele Hall.

Shepherding the Next Generation Memphis is partnering with churches around the city to honor teachers during worship services on May 3, which Mayor A C Wharton Jr. has proclaimed Celebration of Teachers Sunday. In conjunction with the effort, The New Tri-State Defender will spotlight a teacher each week “who goes above and beyond to make sure his or her

students achieve.”

Te a c h er: Ayodele Hall School: Belle Forest Community School Grade: Ayodele 3rd Hall Subject Taught: Reading, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies Church: St. Paul Mission-

ary Baptist Church Pastor: The Rev. Eric Lee What makes this teacher stand out?

Ayodele Hall did not know which path she would take upon entering college. Although she came from a line of educators and was surrounded by teachers all of her life, she had no plans to become one. She thought she only chose the profession because her twin sister, Ayanna, had already made the same

choice. What she did not know is that her steps were already ordered.

Hall is an outstanding teacher because she requires excellence from her students by showing them exactly what it looks like. She models it and monitors their paths, rewarding them along the way for making good choices.

Her expectations are high, and she encourages her students to be the best. Each day, her students recite a quote from NBA basketball

player Tim Duncan: “Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best!” By instilling this quote into her students’ thought processes, Hall says they can become successful.

She builds rapport with challenging students. Many times she finds that students who are labeled as difficult are the same students who have never been told and shown that they are capable and are good enough.

Hall provides her students with what they need to achieve, then

only expects positive results from them.

Congratulations Ayodele Hall. The TSD celebrates you and all teachers.

Join in the celebration. Visit www.shepherdingmemphis. org for more information.

NOTE: This profile was published in last week’s edition and is being reprinted to reflect the correct spelling of Ayodele Hall’s first name.

April 30 - May 6, 2015

Page 12

COMMUNITY

BRIEFS & THINGS

How play supports early childhood development

Cash Mob Memphis at The Bubble Bistro The Bubble Bistro owned

by Andrea Johnson is the venue for the next Cash Mob Memphis, which will kick off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (May 2).

The home of handmade soap that is a blend of art and science, The Bubble Bistro is located at 425 N. Watkins.

In an effort to boost local buying power, Gilbert Barnes Carter III and Bernal E. Smith II, president/publisher of The New Tri-State Defender, established Cash Mob Memphis as an initiative to foster cooperative economics and business support in and among the African-American community of Greater Memphis.

To sign up, visit http://bit. ly/1GxknGM. City seeks volunteers for MPLOY program The City of Memphis Office of Youth Services needs approximately 50 volunteers to assist with conducting interviews for the MPLOY Youth Program.

Assistance is needed on the following dates: May 8, 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m., The Pipkin Building at the Fairgrounds, 940 Early Maxwell; May 9, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., The Pipkin Building; May 11, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., Office of Youth Services (OYS), 315 S. Hollywood; May 12, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., OYS. Category of Participants: Group 1 – College students (18-21); Group 2 – Non-traditional students (16-21); Group 3 – High school (1618); Group 4 – Middle school (14-15).

TSU’s Tiffany Steward: Maxine Smith Fellow Tiffany Bellafant Steward, director of New Student Orientation and FirstYear Students at Tennessee State UniTiffany v e r s i t y, Steward has been named a Maxine Smith Fellow with the Tennessee Board of Regents.

She will have the opportunity to experience how decisions are made at the TBR senior administrative and governing board levels.

Established in 2002, the fellowship is named for the late Dr. Maxine Smith, a long TBR member and civil rights movement stalwart. The former executive secretary of the Memphis Branch of the NAACP (1962-95) was the first African American elected to the Memphis Board of Education (1971).

The fellowship is designed to provide African-American TBR employees the opportunity to participate in a working and learning environment that enhances work experience and career development.

The objective is to increase the academic and professional credentials of the fellows, as well as help to increase the number of qualified applicants from underrepresented groups for senior-level administrative positions at TBR institutions.

“It is a great honor to be selected as a Maxine Smith Fellow to represent Tennessee State University,” said Steward, who was nominated by TSU President Glenda Glover. “This opportunity will prepare me for future career aspirations in higher education and help to impact student success on my campus.”

BRIEFLY: The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, will hold its annual Tribute Luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. at the Memphis Cook Convention Center on Friday (May 1).

Debbie Allen – philanthropist, choreographer, director, educator – is the keynoter. For more information or to purchase tickets: www.wfgm.org.

BRIEFLY: The Tenth Annual Fallen Heroes Memorial Service hosted by Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery is set for Thursday, May 7 at 9:30 a.m. at the Fallen Heroes Monument, just west of the Poplar Avenue entrance to the cemetery.

The New Tri-State Defender

by Tarrin McGhee

Special to the Tri-State Defender

A recent “Condom Carnival” at the Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Jobs Corp Center was designed to raise awareness among young adults about the need for safe sex practices. (Photo: Paula Anderson)

LOC and U of M working to change an unhealthy picture Addressing substance abuse and the spread of HIV

by Paula Anderson

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Dr. Theresa Okwumabua is out to do something about the unhealthy picture of substance abuse and the spread of HIV among a particular segment of the African-American community.

Okwumabua, an adjunct professor at the University of Memphis, is the project director for the federal Equipping and Empowering a Healthy Campus and Dr. Theresa Community grant – $230,000 Okwumabua annually for three years – that The LeMoyne-Owen College has been awarded to address the growing problems of substance abuse and HIV among young, African-American adult populations, ages 18 to 24.

Okwumabua also is the project director for a state substance use prevention grant that she is implementing through the U of M. Awarded in three-year increments for $85,000 annually, the third cycle begins in July. Synchronizing the two grants will allow both institutions to offer some creative solutions to help LOC and the South Memphis community learn more about safe sexual practices.

The LOC grant will provide outreach programs to organizations in the South Memphis community and at the College. It meshes with Okwumabua’s desire to start a conversation about sex education and awareness for the grant’s targeted population.

“The rate of HIV is growing among 14 to 16 yearolds, but is especially problematic for youth between the ages of 18 and 24,” she said.

According to the Shelby County Health Department: • Over the past 10 years, the rate of new HIV disease cases among Shelby County residents decreased by approximately 38 percent, but it remained 2.5 times greater than the state incidence rate in 2010 (35 cases per 100,000 Shelby County residents).

• A total of 325 new HIV disease cases were diagnosed among Shelby County residents in 2010. The majority of new infections were male (73.5 percent), non-Hispanic black individuals (90.2 percent), and distributed between the ages of 20 and 44 (68.6 percent).

• A total of 181 new AIDS diagnoses were reported among Shelby County residents in 2010. The demographic distribution among AIDS diagnoses mirrors the distribution reported among HIV disease diagnoses.

With that backdrop, a Condom Carnival was held on March 17 at the Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Jobs Corp Center to help teach young adults some safe

sex practices. Tables were set-up to focus on various topics: “How to Place on a Condom,” “The Condom Break Test,” “Condom Chat,” “Having Sex with Whom” and “Sober Sex is Safer Sex”.

At the condom demonstration table, three young men were apprehensive about placing a condom on a penis replica. Statistics show that consistent condom use reduces the risk of HIV by 80-90 percent.

At another table, marbles were used to test the strength of the condom. The condom broke after 159 marbles were placed inside. According to a Planned Parenthood® fact sheet, condoms provide protection against sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Participants discussed excuses for not putting on a condom at the “Condom Chat” table. Some excuses were “kills the mood,” “it’s not natural” and “you can lose an erection.” Sean Mackie, a LOC senior, said, “It’s a good experience to teach younger students about safe sex and to learn from them also.”

Carla Edmondson, a teaching assistant at the U of M, focused on sexual exposure awareness. Her table – “Having Sex with Whom” – listed the number of people one is exposed to sexually when having sex with one person. According to the sexual exposure chart, five sexual partners means exposure to 31 people and 10 sexual partners means sexual exposure to 1,023 people.

A table was set-up to encourage frequent testing.

Anthen Jones, a 19-year-old student, said, “If you are sexually active, get tested every three to six months.” The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that youth ages 13 to 24 accounted for 26 percent of new HIV infections.

Sober sex is safer sex was the message at one table. CDC also reports that having sex while using drugs or alcohol increases the chances of having unprotected sex.

Okwumabua has partnerships with Planned Parenthood and Friends for Life to provide free condoms and pamphlets. She wants to extend the programs into churches and other community organizations.

Her message to the community is “OUR CHILDREN MATTER and that we must be concerned about them in ALL aspects of their lives, including their sexual health and well-being.”

And while abstinence is a holistic approach to addressing the problem of sexually transmitted infections and diseases, Okwumabua points out that there is ample research to support the need to educate young adults between the ages of 18 to 24 about safe sex practices.

Warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and longer days all indicate one thing: spring is finally here!

And the new season brings new opportunities for children and families to spend more time outdoors, to play, and to explore. For parents who have infants and toddlers, spring is an Tarrin ideal time to increase playMcGhee time and recreational activities. By doing so you help to promote optimal development for your child.

Studies show that playing contributes to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children and youth. Sufficient playtime (and recreation) is essential for youth of all ages, but the role it plays in early childhood is critical, because brain development occurs more rapidly during this period than at any other time.

Play is one of the four simple but important activities that parents are encouraged to engage your child in regularly to ensure he or she develops the mental, emotional, and social skills needed to thrive (the others are touching, talking, and reading.)

Playing offers a number of invaluable benefits for young children that are vital to foster life-long success. Spending quality time with your infant or toddler strengthens the parent-child bond. Feelings of affection, safety and security are enhanced for young children when parents and caregivers are fully engaged and responsive through playful interaction.

Playing nurtures curiosity and creativity, spurs imagination and builds thinking skills.

When infants and toddlers are encouraged to participate in unstructured play – activities driven by their own interests and desires—it gives them an opportunity to learn how things work and to make new discoveries about the world around them. Some parental guidance may be necessary for safety, but research shows that child-driven play allows a child to move at her own pace and realize her own decision-making skills.

Active play is healthier than passive entertainment.

(For more information about the Equipping and Empowering a Healthy Campus and Community grant, contact Dr. Theresa Okwumabua at theresa_okwumabua@loc.edu.)

Some parents might feel the need to provide expensive learning aids (i.e., Baby Einstein DVDs, fancy toys, or electronic devices) to accomplish similar goals, but children really don’t need special products to jumpstart their learning processes. Instead, provide simple toys like dolls and building blocks that encourage creativity.

Similarly, television, computers, and mobile devices are passive activities that when used excessively can actually hinder a child’s mental and social development. Unstructured, child-directed activities are the kind of play that promote development.

There are numerous ways that all parents can ensure your child will reap the full benefits associated with good, old-fashioned play. The Urban Child Institute suggests that parents maintain a daily schedule for your infant or toddler that includes naptime, story-time and play-time.

During the first year of life, babies begin to learn about cause and effect through play. As a parent, you can nurture the learning process by responding positively to your child’s prompts for attention, his physical gestures, and his emotional expressions, and spark laughter, excitement, and joy in your own special way.

You can also encourage your baby’s early learning ability by playing together to stack or sort building blocks or other items around the house by color, size or weight; singing the alphabet song; and playing with magnetic letters and numbers.

For older children, playtime that includes active movement promotes physical health, and is considered a proactive effort that can prevent childhood obesity.

(Paula Anderson is a freelance writer. Contact her at writingbydesign7@gmail.com.)

Take advantage of local opportunities for outdoor activity.

In the spring and summer months, possibilities abound for parents to increase physical playtime activities with your child. Take advantage of the warmer temperatures that the season changes bring by getting outdoors.

Have a picnic with your baby or toddler in your backyard or go for a walk around your neighborhood. Talk to her about what is present and occurring in the environment.

Other options can include a visit to your neighborhood park to allow your child to simply wander or run around freely; to play; and to experience nature in its full glory. The Memphis Botanic Garden, Shelby Farms, and Tom Lee Park all have wonderful play areas for children of different ages.

The Memphis Zoo and the Children’s Museum of Memphis are also ideal places to take your child on a spring play-date, with both facilities offering countless learning opportunities at every turn.

No matter what activities or experiences you choose to engage your child in, it’s important for parents to understand that allowing your child sufficient time to play is about more than just fun and games. Playing contributes to a young child’s overall well-being, and is essential in promoting healthy growth and development.

Love and affection...

Rev. Melvin D. Watkins Jr. and his wife, Lady Loie Watkins (embracing the child), were showered with love and affection Sunday, April 26, during Mt. Vernon Baptist Church– Westwood’s 9th Annual Love Day Celebration. Rev. Watkins is the pastor. Dr. James L. Netters Sr. is the senior pastor. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

(The New Tri-State Defender has partnered with The Urban Child Institute to make sure every child has the best chance for optimal brain development during the critical first three years of each child’s life. This is one in a series of stories and columns.)

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, April 30 - May 6, 2015, Page 13

GRIZZ TRACK: ROUND ONE DONE!

Memphis strong forward Zach Randolph sports his “We don’t bluff” face as the Grizzlies secure Game 5 (99-93) and end the first-round series (4-1) against the Portland Trail Blazers.

FedExForum fans went into celebration mode after the Grizzlies erased any doubt about moving on to the semifinals of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs Wednesday night. Next hurdle: at top-seeded Golden State on Sunday.

Sorely missed Grizz point guard Mike Conley.

Tony Allen was right where he likes to be – in the middle of things.

Marc Gasol digs in, spins and scores on Meyers Leonard of Portland.

Nick Calathes scores on Damian Lillard.

‘Tiger’ called an ‘amazing father’

by Nicholas A. Norman

Vince Carter grabs a rebound over Nicolas Batum of the Trail Blazers. (Photos: Warren Roseborough)

Before Tiger, there was Calvin Peete Winner of 12 PGA Tour events dies

NNPA News Service

Lindsey Vonn says she feels lucky to be part of the lives of Tiger Woods’ two children, and says that both the golfer and his kids are “amazing.”

Vonn made the comments praising the parenting skills of Woods and how impressed she is with daughter Sam, 7, and son Charlie, 6, while attending the New York premiere of “The Age of Adaline” Sunday night.

“They’re great. They’re amazing kids, and he’s an amazing father,” Vonn told PEOPLE. “You know, I feel privileged to be along for the ride, and I help as much as I can. They’re great kids. I love them.”

Vonn has become a significant person in the children’s lives, and it has been that way for some time, going all the way back to when she and Woods took them to school at the onset of their relationship and later escorting the kids around the course at the 2013 Tour Championship.

The Olympic hero also was present when Sam and Charlie joined their father on the course during practice at Augusta National as well as took part in the Masters Par-3 Contest, the first time he has

Former Grizz Quincy Pondexter congratulates Courtney Lee.

Tiger Woods, his daughter Sam, his son Charlie, and Lindsey Vonn at Augusta National during the Masters. participated in that event in years, a further indication that Woods is tremendously dedicated to his kids.

Vonn, who has been a near-constant presence at tournaments, to which Woods has responded in kind by supporting her at her events, has called Woods a “teddy bear” and once revealed he doesn’t even leave the seat up after after using the bathroom. She has also been known to vehemently defend her beau in the media.

Vonn and Woods remarkably have forged what by all appearances seems to be a very close, surprisingly private relationship. When whispers of

the sports supercouple’s relationship first emerged, rumors the two publicly confirmed with joint announcements in March 2013, many suspected it was nothing more than a fling of sorts, or alternatively something of a PR stunt, given how Woods was attempting to rehabilitate his image in the wake of his infidelity scandal and Vonn was coming off a divorce.

But now, over two years later, their relationship seems as strong as ever. And it appears Woods’ children may be the two biggest benefactors.

(Special to the NNPA from the Houston Forward Times.)

ATLANTA (AP) – Calvin Peete, the most successful African-American player on the PGA Tour before the arrival of Tiger Woods, died Wednesday morning. He was 71.

The PGA Tour did not have a cause of death. Murray Brothers Funeral Home confirmed it was handling the arrangement but did not release additional information.

Peete won 12 times on the PGA Tour and was the most accurate driver of his generation. He led the tour in driving accuracy every year from 1981 to 1990. Peete’s biggest year was in 1982 when he won four times.

He won the Vardon Trophy for the lowest scoring average in 1984 by edging Jack Nicklaus.

He won The Players Championship in 1985 and played on two Ryder Cup teams.

Peete became the fourth African American to garner a PGA victory when he won the Milwaukee Open in 1979.

In the ’80s, he won more titles than any player other than Tom Kite.

He is survived by his wife, Pepper, and seven children.

Calvin Peete at the Western Open in 1986. (Photo: Ted Van Pelt/Wikimedia.org)

April 30 - May 6, 2015

Page 14

The New Tri-State Defender

‘Women of Excellence’ lauded for achievement

Fifty-one African-American women from varying socio-economic backgrounds in Memphis and Shelby County were inducted into the 2015 Class of Women of Excellence.

Presented by The New Tri-State Defender, the women were lauded for their accomplishments and feted with a sampling of delectable cuisine and music by Love

Theory. The ambience befitted a “woman of class.”

This year was the eighth edition of the annual awards ceremony, which took place Saturday, April 25, at AutoZone Park in Downtown Memphis.

Nearly 300 people altogether attended the elegant affair.

“This year we had a lot of new elements, new venue, a panel

discussion, new band, new menu.

The feedback from the honorees and guests indicate that we got it right,” said Bernal E. Smith II, TSD’s president and publisher.

The “power panel” of women spoke on the topic “Loving, Lifting, Leading and Fulfilling the Growing Expectations of Black Women in 2015.”

Roquita Coleman, CN Rail-

road Solutions; Cynthia Daniels, Memphis Urban League; Rose Jackson-Flenorl, Manager of Social Responsibility at FedEx; and Marlene McGhee, Eagle Lane Realty, shared their experiences as African American women in the workplace and honed in on questions posed by moderator Megan Mottley, a magazine publisher, author, social media specialist &

idea coach, and a former WOE recipient.

“We aspire to celebrate and honor each class of WOE with distinction, class and sophistication, while also inspiring them, their guests and supporters to greater works,” Smith said.

Four hundred women are now members of The New Tri-State Defender’s WOE alumni.

The 2015 Class of Women of Excellence (Photo: Nina Johnson) The New Tri-State Defender President & Publisher Bernal E. Smith II welcomes the audience.

(Photo: Kelley D. Evans)

Local 24’s Rodney Dunigan served as emcee for the festivities. (Photo: Kelley D. Evans)

Guests at TSD’s table enjoying the morning. (Photo: Kelley D. Evans)

Marcus Scott and Love Theory provided entertainment. (Photo: Kelley D. Evans)

Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku, TSD’s executive editor, addresses the guests. (Photo: Kelley D. Evans)

The panelists finished to a standing ovation. (Photo: Kelley D. Evans)

From left: Panelists Marlene McGhee, Rose Jackson-Flenorl, Cynthia Daniels and Roquita Coleman. Megan Mottley served as moderator. (Photo: Kelley D. Evans)

Wendolyn Payne, TSD office assistant, exudes joy of the day.

(Photo: Kelley D. Evans)

Guests patronizing Tiffany’s Treasure Box. (Photo: Kelley D. Evans)

Honoree Marquerita Brown. (Photo: Kelley D. Evans)

Honoree Stephanie Hill (left) and her guest, Toisan English. (Photo: Kelley D. Evans)

Honoree Sheila Whalum. (Photo: Kelley D. Evans)